Transitions Magazine July 2013 Volume 1, Issue 1 | Page 12

Our future rides on the shoulders of the current generation. It is our duty to ensure that they are well equipped. The Al Muquit Shriners and Stillman Masonic Lodge 490 have taken the initiative to help mold the minds and warm the hearts of the local youth.

Established January 2013. Mind Changers has become an ever present figure in the Tuscaloosa City School System. The program is designed to capture the mind's of the youth and equip them with the tools they will need to succeed.

The program's foundation is centered on the 3 R's: Resourceful, Respectful, Responsible.

Spokesperson, Rodney Pelt, Sr.

plays a very active role. During the 2013 school year he met with the boys once a week, providing them with an ever present male role model and valuable insights on such topics as the importance of appearance, and how to conduct yourself as young men.

Some of the school's administration has commented on the obvious changes in most of the student's behavior, poise in the classroom and

attention to detail.

On May 15th Mind Changers reached out to the community. Four local barbers gave up their Wednesday to give back, and thirty-five young boys received a free hair cut.

Mind Changers is doing more than just saying they are making a difference, these men, that have taken the initiative to not only be present for our next generation, but are doing so by affording these boys with opportunities they would not

normally receive.

For more information about Mind Changers or to volunteer, Conact Rodney Pelt, Sr. : [email protected]